Basement Suite Permit in Calgary, AB
Permits for basement finishing, secondary suites, and basement apartments.
Where Are Basement Suite Permits Being Issued?
Permit Volume Over Time
Processing Time Trend
Average days from application to approval
Year-over-Year Growth
Percentage change in permits issued vs previous year
Top Neighbourhoods
| Neighbourhood | Permits Issued | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TUSCANY | 2,674 | 3.2% |
| SADDLE RIDGE | 2,636 | 3.2% |
| PANORAMA HILLS | 2,511 | 3.0% |
| EVERGREEN | 2,334 | 2.8% |
| CRANSTON | 2,186 | 2.6% |
| EVANSTON | 2,146 | 2.6% |
| CORNERSTONE | 2,092 | 2.5% |
| MCKENZIE TOWNE | 1,874 | 2.3% |
| AUBURN BAY | 1,833 | 2.2% |
| COVENTRY HILLS | 1,748 | 2.1% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a basement suite permit in Calgary?
Yes, most basement suite projects in Calgary require a building permit from the city. Based on our data, Calgary has issued 83,168 basement suite permits to date, making it one of the most common permit types in the city. Requirements vary depending on the scope and size of the project. Contact Calgary's building department for specific requirements for your project.
How long does it take to get a basement suite permit in Calgary?
Based on our analysis of 83,168 permits, the average processing time for a basement suite permit in Calgary is 10 days from application to approval. Processing times have been increasing in recent years. In 2026, the average was 34 days.
How many basement suite permits are issued in Calgary each year?
Calgary issues approximately 1,147 basement suite permits per year. Our data covers 1999 to present, with a total of 83,168 permits tracked. The number of basement suite permits has generally increased over time.
Which neighbourhoods in Calgary have the most basement suite permits?
The top neighbourhoods for basement suite permits in Calgary are TUSCANY (2,674 permits), SADDLE RIDGE (2,636 permits), and PANORAMA HILLS (2,511 permits). These areas account for 9% of all basement suite permits in the city.
How much does a basement suite project cost in Calgary?
Based on construction values reported on 83,168 permits, the average basement suite project in Calgary has a construction value of $26,745. The median value is $20,000, which may be more representative as it excludes outliers. Note that this is the total project construction cost, not the permit fee.
Are basement suite permits increasing or decreasing in Calgary?
Basement Suite permit activity in Calgary has been declining in recent years. In 2026, 1,147 permits were issued, compared to 3,918 in 2023.
What is the basement suite permit process in Calgary?
The typical process for a basement suite permit in Calgary involves: 1) Preparing your project plans and documentation, 2) Submitting your application to Calgary's building department, 3) Paying the applicable permit fees, 4) Waiting for plan review and approval (average 10 days), 5) Receiving your permit and beginning construction, and 6) Scheduling required inspections during and after construction.
How does Calgary compare to other Canadian cities for basement suite permits?
Calgary is one of 14 major Canadian cities we track for basement suite permit data. With an average processing time of 10 days, you can compare Calgary's basement suite permit statistics including volume trends, processing times, and neighbourhood breakdowns with other cities on our national basement suite permit comparison page.